interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən 
-pə-
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style
3
: a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information
natural history interpretation program
interpretatively
adverb
interpretively
adverb
Examples of interpretation in a Sentence
a literal interpretation of the law
The truth will only be found by careful interpretation of the evidence.
His remarks need further interpretation.
an actor's interpretation of the role of Hamlet
Recent Examples on the Web
More than 40 lawsuits have been brought in federal courts, but litigation has been complicated by the time lapse — the properties involved were confiscated during the early years of the Castro revolution — and the interpretation of the law.
—
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
This session takes you through a modern interpretation of a contemporary March on Washington that will inspire the next generation.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
There is little by way of rebuke, and the court merely ruled on the interpretation of some words in a statute in the context of our historical record of monopolizing the taxation power in the hands of Congress.
—Sandeep Gopalan, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2026
Virtually no risk-free approach Even a conscientious employer following the rule and regulatory and judicial interpretation of the rule may have its workplace seating policy second-guessed.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
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Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
This session takes you through a modern interpretation of a contemporary March on Washington that will inspire the next generation.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026
There is little by way of rebuke, and the court merely ruled on the interpretation of some words in a statute in the context of our historical record of monopolizing the taxation power in the hands of Congress.
—Sandeep Gopalan, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2026
Virtually no risk-free approach Even a conscientious employer following the rule and regulatory and judicial interpretation of the rule may have its workplace seating policy second-guessed.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interpretation
Cite this Entry
“Interpretation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpretation. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
1
: the act or the result of interpreting : explanation
2
: an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation
interpretatively
adverb
Medical Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən, -pə-
: the act or result of giving an explanation of something
interpretation of the symptoms of disease
especially
: an explanation in understandable terms to a patient in psychotherapy of the deeper meaning according to psychological theory of the material related and the behavior exhibited by the patient during treatment
Legal Definition
interpretation
noun
in·ter·pre·ta·tion
in-ˌtər-prə-ˈtā-shən
: the act or result of interpreting compare construction
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